Following its latest meeting and the recent 60th Ordinary ISU Congress, the ISU Council has announced a series of key decisions that will take effect from the 2026/27 season. These include the distribution procedure for the doubled annual prize money for athletes and enhanced travel contributions for Member Federations, the appointment of the new Sports Medicine and Athlete Health Committee members, and measures to strengthen the legal and strategic framework for ISU Development Program initiatives.

ISU Council details boost to skating’s prize money at latest meeting

Further to the decision taken by the 60th Ordinary Congress in Tenerife in June, to double the annual purse in skating to 10.54m USD, the International Skating Union (ISU) Council has confirmed the details behind additional prize money distribution from the 2026/27 season.

Meeting online, the Council decided that 3.54m USD of the total increased prize money would be events-based, meaning that around 70% of the new funds will be settled on the ice at competitions. The remaining distribution will be determined by the world rankings, rewarding a sizeable cross-section of skaters for their participation and performance over three-year periods.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim said: “We are proud to recognize the incredible work of our skaters in a better way, by doubling the prize money. This structure ensures that a healthy cross-section of skaters is rewarded, not only those who reach the podium. We are committed to the continued growth of our sport so that we can increase prize money again in the near future."

In addition, the Council decided that over 2m USD allocated to increased travel contributions for Member Federations will be distributed based on attendance at ISU Events over the past three seasons. The sum was also approved by Congress in June, owing to recent increases in travel costs and in keeping with ISU Vision 2030; maximizing competitive opportunities for all involved in skating.

Sports Medicine and Athlete Health Committee

The ISU Council also appointed Dr. Ruben Ambartsumov (UKR) as Chair of the new Sports Medicine and Athlete Health Committee. A leading Sports Medicine physician and graduate of the Ukraine National Medical University, Dr. Ambartsumov has served the ISU for over two decades and his leadership will be of vital importance on a Committee whose remit has been expanded to include nutrition, mental wellness and injury prevention. 

Dr. Eunkuk Kim (KOR) was appointed to the role of Vice-Chair after over a decade of experience supporting the ISU as a Medical Advisor. Dr. Kim is a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and has extensive knowledge of all four skating disciplines as well as the organization’s medical activities. 

Here is the full list of Committee members:

• Ruben Ambartsumov – Chair (UKR)
• Eunkuk Kim – Vice Chair (KOR)
• Hannu Kovic (FIN) 
• Carlijn Schoutens (NED) 
• Christopher Gee (USA) 
• Michiko Dohi (JPN) 
• Georgie Bruinvels (GBR) 
• Peter Lewton-Brain (MCO) 

Development Updates

The Council approved the legal framework on an interim basis for the review of applications for Development Program Initiatives. Further details of ISU’s Development Strategy will be consolidated with a view to being announced in Q4 of 2026.

The Council confirmed a further proposal to reopen the nomination period for non-voting members of the Technical Committees in order that their scope can be expanded to include responsibilities related to Development Program initiatives and make best use of their specialist expertise.

Other Updates

Appointments of ISU Council members as ISU Representatives for events during the 2026/27 season was confirmed during the meeting, with a budget-conscious approach.

The Council also heard updates related to the structure of the Officials’ Assessment Committee (OAC), intended to continue to professionalize judging in Figure Skating from 2026/27 season onwards.

The next meeting of the ISU Council will take place in October.